Articles tagged with Zebrafish
Biologists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered microRNAs that control the regeneration of zebrafish fins. The study found that reducing levels of one microRNA, miR-133, speeds up fin regrowth, while increasing it slows it down. This discovery could lead to new ways to stimulate human tissue regeneration.
Researchers developed a zebrafish-based screening strategy to identify genes and chemical compounds that protect against hearing loss caused by ototoxic medications. The study identified five mutations in genes that, when inherited, protected hair cells from damage.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are using zebrafish to investigate the causes of Lowe syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting only boys. The team aims to identify key factors, including the gene OCRL1, and explore potential treatments for the condition.
Researchers have developed a transparent zebrafish that allows direct observation of internal organs and processes like tumor metastasis and blood production. The study reveals cancer cells' ability to 'home' to specific locations, enabling scientists to better understand disease progression.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that an enzyme called intestinal alkaline phosphatase plays a crucial role in maintaining balance between gut bacteria and cells, preventing excessive inflammation. This finding has implications for understanding and treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and...
A mutation in RNA polymerase III enzyme disrupts organ growth in zebrafish, with specific tissues like the intestine being severely affected. The study provides hope for a therapeutic application against cancer by targeting the enzyme's role in protein production.
Researchers found that zebrafish embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid within a certain range, using an enzyme called Cyp26a1 to degrade excess acid and proteins like fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) to slow down degradation when levels drop too low. This regulation helps maintain a robust gradient of retinoic acid.
A University of Houston team found that melatonin inhibits memory formation in zebrafish during nighttime. Removing the melatonin-producing gland allowed fish to form memories at high levels even at night.
Zebrafish embryos exposed to 11 common pollutants showed distinct gene-expression profiles, allowing researchers to identify individual toxins. The new method offers a potential solution for evaluating developmental toxicity of pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.
Researchers have found a genetic mutation in zebrafish that causes insomnia, providing a new animal model for studying sleep disorders. The study reveals that zebrafish experience reduced overall sleep and shorter sleep duration compared to normal fish.
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals has been awarded a Phase II SBIR grant from the National Eye Institute to develop zebrafish models for eye diseases. The company aims to model various eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, using zebrafish models with high accuracy and speed.
Researchers found that molecule Sdf plays a crucial role in dictating the pattern of at least one stripe in zebrafish. By studying the effects of Sdf on melanophores, they discovered how this molecule influences their migration and positioning.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered zebrafish as an ideal model for studying COX deficiencies, which can lead to fatal metabolic disorders. The use of zebrafish allows scientists to visualize early stages of mitochondrial impairments and identify specific targets for potential drug therapies.
A new microrobotic system for automated microinjection of zebrafish embryos has been developed, allowing for high-speed injection and successful rates close to 100%. The technology enables large-scale molecule screening for genetics and drug discovery applications.
A team of researchers at Rice University studied the gene LMO4 in zebrafish, discovering its role in regulating brain growth and development. They found that overexpression of the gene led to shrinkage of brain areas, while underexpression caused their enlargement.
Researchers have created a genetic model of obesity in zebrafish, which could lead to the development of new drugs to help people lose weight and keep it off. The study uses a receptor blockage mechanism that is similar to what causes severe obesity in humans.
Scientists found that genes present in primitive bony fish like paddlefish are also found in tetrapods, overturning the long-held theory of limb acquisition. The study reveals a pattern of gene activity similar to that seen in tetrapod limbs in paddlefish fins.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have identified a specific protein transport process involved in a rare form of early blindness, known as choroideremia. The study suggests that therapies targeting the neighboring retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may rescue photoreceptor loss and even reverse the disease.
Researchers have identified genes and signaling pathways that enable zebrafish to regrow their tail fins. The study suggests that humans may also have untapped regenerative powers hidden in their genes, potentially leading to new treatments for human injuries.
Researchers at U of MN identified novel genes critical for organ development in humans, with implications for understanding blood vessel formation, eye and ear development, and lipid metabolism. Zebrafish serve as a model organism to study gene function and organ development.
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals received a $500,000 NSF Phase II SBIR grant to evaluate the toxic effects of industrial chemicals on human organ development in zebrafish. Preliminary data show a correlation between zebrafish results and mammalian findings.
Scientists have discovered that the giant danio, unlike its cousin the zebrafish, exhibits indeterminate growth due to hyperplasia, allowing it to continuously grow into adulthood. This study provides a model for understanding muscle growth and has potential applications in investigating muscle wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found a nanoparticle that can protect normal tissue from radiation damage as effectively as standard drugs. The nanoparticle, called DF-1, acts like an oxygen sink, binding to dangerous oxygen radicals and reducing their production.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that zebrafish regenerate heart tissue through a mass of stem cells and protective cell layer interaction. Biochemical signaling between the cell mass and epicardial cells controls the regeneration process, involving growth factors such as fibroblast growth factors.
Researchers found five proteins overexpressed and three underexpressed in response to chronic alcohol exposure, affecting programmed cell death, cholesterol balance, and signal transduction. The study suggests a progressive increase in behavior disruption with prolonged exposure, highlighting the potential for new therapeutic targets.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the zebrafish that causes copper distribution disorders similar to those in humans. The discovery suggests new potential treatments for structural birth defects and confirms similarities between zebrafish and human genetics.
Research demonstrates zebrafish as an efficient and effective animal model for assessing human cancer cells at various stages of tumorigenesis, with significant findings including conserved cell signaling mechanisms and the ability to visualize cell migration and angiogenesis formation in vivo.
Researchers discover a gene, dubbed fat free, that disrupts lipid absorption in zebrafish and reveals potential targets for intervention. The study provides new insights into lipid metabolism and opens the way for screening drugs to rescue defective cholesterol processing.
Researchers discovered a gene mutation in zebrafish that leads to impaired fat and cholesterol absorption, causing lethal effects. The study provides valuable insights into the process of lipid digestion and metabolism, potentially leading to treatment for human diseases.
Scientists have identified human enhancers able to control expression consistent with the zebrafish ret gene, shedding light on Hirschsprung disease and multiple endocrine neoplasia. The new system uses zebrafish to test mammalian DNA and is a significant advance over current methods.
A new study by Vanderbilt researchers has uncovered a crucial role for prostaglandins in early embryonic development, highlighting their potential as molecular targets for cancer prevention therapies. Prostaglandin inhibition led to gastrulation arrest and slowed cell movement in zebrafish embryos.
A study found that a change in one amino acid in the SLC24A5 gene plays a major role in determining human skin color. Researchers discovered that this mutation contributes up to 38% of the range of skin color in European populations.
Analysis found that increased p53 delta113 expression in def-mutant digestive organs leads to cell cycle arrest, reducing organ growth. The p53 isoform's role in hypoplasia of the digestive organs is believed to be significant but not fully understood.
A study published by University of Iowa researchers has identified the CHIP protein as a crucial component in managing neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. By suppressing misfolded proteins, CHIP may provide a promising route to therapy for these devastating brain disorders.
Researchers have discovered that lipids, specifically phosphatidylinositol transfer protein-α, are regulated during axon growth and play a critical role in nervous system development. Blocking this lipid can prevent nerves from developing arm-like extensions, leading to neuron death and motor neuron degeneration.
Reify's Visible Discovery technology demonstrates high-throughput in vivo and in vitro phenotypic screens for cardiovascular structure and function, as well as subcellular particle movement. The platform provides fast, unbiased results with minimal end-user intervention.
Researchers found that daily temperature cycles can reset zebrafish clocks, triggering changes in specific clock genes. This discovery sheds light on how temperature affects biological systems and may have implications for mammals.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research using zebrafish, a small tropical fish. Studies have proven that zebrafish can be used to test high numbers of possible drug therapies and may lead to new cancer therapies.
A research team has identified the gene glutaredoxin 5 (grx5) as essential for hemoglobin synthesis in zebrafish and humans. The discovery reveals a new pathway involving iron-sulfur clusters, which is critical for heme production.
Researchers found that zebrafish embryos with human metastatic melanoma cells suppress tumor development, suggesting potential for new cancer therapies. The study provides a powerful model for investigating tumor-microenvironment interactions and reversing the aggressive phenotype of cancer cells.
Karen Guillemin, a University of Oregon researcher, has received the American Society of Microbiology's Irving S. Sigal Merck Award for her innovative work on beneficial microbes. Her research explores the dialogue between animals and their resident microbiome, revealing its importance in development.
The miRNA profiling technique is widely used in cancer research to identify and quantify microRNAs in tumor tissues. Researchers have found that specific miRNA patterns are associated with different types of cancers, leading to potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have identified ferroportin 1 as essential for normal iron cycling in zebrafish. This discovery sheds light on the importance of ferroportin 1 in maintaining iron homeostasis in humans. Understanding its function is crucial for developing effective treatments for iron-related disorders.
Researchers have created a new tool to investigate the components of the circadian clock in vertebrates using transgenic zebrafish that luminesce in sync with their periodicity. The study reveals that aspects of circadian rhythms develop in specific stages, rather than being hardwired into the embryo.
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered a zebrafish that glows in response to light, shedding light on biological clocks. The per3-luc zebrafish contains genetic material that enables its circadian rhythm without parental influence.
Researchers have discovered that glial cells play a previously unidentified role in regulating the development of sensory hair cell precursors in zebrafish. This finding increases understanding of nerve cell development and may lead to potential regenerative therapies for human hearing disorders.
Researchers describe a process regulated by Hedgehog gene that induces formation of fast twitch muscles from slow twitch cells in zebrafish embryos. The findings provide insights into muscle development and potential models for muscular dystrophy.
Researchers have sequenced all 36 genes of novel receptors in zebrafish, which may be related to human natural killer cell function and provide insights into the transition from innate to adaptive immunity. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of infectious diseases and certain cancers.
A virtual zebrafish microanatomy atlas will be created with the grant, providing high-resolution files and three-dimensional images of body structures. The atlas will enable data-sharing among researchers to speed discovery in human diseases.
Researchers discovered 68 maternal mutations in zebrafish that may help understand human infertility and birth defects. These mutations affect early embryonic development, including cell divisions and tissue patterning.
Researchers found that zebrafish learn to prefer one fish color pattern over another based on their early experience with these patterns. This learned social preference has significant impacts on the survival and reproductive success of individual fish.
Researchers use zebrafish to study human heart valve formation and cancer risk, identifying novel actin molecules and ribosomal protein genes that predispose fish to malignant tumors. The findings suggest a causal relationship between early heart function and its final structure.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation that interferes with heart muscle contraction, leading to defective heart valve formation. This study suggests that temporary glitches in early heartbeat may cause valve defects, potentially leading to new treatments for congenital heart defects.
Researchers found zebrafish embryos are sensitive to mid-blastula transition in ionizing radiation, but unaffected by UV radiation prior to this stage. After the transition, UV radiation causes morphologic damage, while ionizing radiation damages DNA due to lack of repair mechanisms.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have created germ-free zebrafish, allowing them to study the molecular details of how symbionts affect animal development and physiology. The study revealed 212 genes with different levels of expression in germ-free fish compared to conventionally raised groups.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that statins interfere with a biochemical pathway crucial for germ cell migration in embryonic zebrafish. This understanding may lead to insights into disease processes, including cancer, as abnormal germ cell migration can contribute to deadly cancer spread.
Researchers have successfully produced transgenic zebrafish using cultured sperm cells grown in laboratory conditions, enabling the study of human development and disease. The new technique also holds promise for pre-fertilization strategies in human gene therapy, potentially leading to preventive treatment for certain genetic disorders.
Zebrafish provide a unique window into blood cell development, allowing researchers to distinguish individual cell types and transplant genetically altered cells. The technique enables the study of cellular defects in mutant fish, which can inform human transplantation strategies.
Researchers have identified a new gene in zebrafish that controls the formation of calcium carbonate crystals in otoliths, which are crucial for balance and sound perception. By manipulating this gene, scientists can create star-shaped crystals that alter the fish's balance and orientation.
Researchers found that eliminating or overexpressing the cdx4 gene affected blood-cell formation and Hox gene expression in zebrafish. The study's findings could help reveal how cdx4 fusions disrupt normal hematopoiesis and contribute to human leukemias.